Quick holiday reads you might enjoy
The passing of time seems to make less and less sense the longer we live through unprecedented events, climate emergencies, the pandemic-but-now-its-really-more-of-an-endemic, you get the picture.
Christmas, for those that celebrate, is right around the corner and this being my first holiday season as a “reader” means I got to experience the delight that is holiday romances. I’ll admit I haven’t really read all that many, but there are a few that stand out as quick sweet (and in one case very festively filthy) reads that you might want to pick up this year or not, I’m not the boss of you.
The Mistletoe Motive by Chloe Liese (Kobo Original)
Chloe has written some of the swooniest (yes that’s a word) books I’ve read this year. Her Bergman Brothers is a 2021 standout series that I am looking forward to re-reading soon.
The Mistletoe Motive is another brilliant read and easily sits on the best of year shelf. We have two bookshop employees and antagonistic rivals Jonathan Frost and Gabriella Di Natale. Jonathan is an analytical, business minded grouch (according to Gabby). And Gabby is a whimsical, softie, who gives all her beautiful smiles to her customers (according to Jonathan). There are so many delicious moments between these two that will have you grinning like a freaking idiot.
Gabby’s autism is handled with such love and kindness, and seeing her share that part of herself with Mr. Frost really warms the old heart. And Jonathan, our quiet diabetic grumpy dude who is just GONE for Gabby is a real treat. There are some “you’ve got mail” moments that made this quick read so darn wonderful. Oh also glovebox M&M’s. You’ll lose your sh*t at the glovebox M&M’s.
This is a Kobo Original, so make sure you head on over there to pick up this wonderful winter love story.
Window Shopping by Tessa Bailey
Y’all. This fucking book made my cheeks hurt, so badly. Tessa really blew this one out of the water with her Ted Lasso inspired take on a holiday grumpy-sunshine romance. Formerly incarcerated woman, gets the chance of a lifetime to pursue her dream career as a visual merchandiser. This one will also be on my annual holiday reads moving forward. There are so many moments in this book that will have you dreamily sighing.
Aiden, perpetually optimistic southern sweetie is the manager of a high end department store and Stella is a grumpy recently released from prison woman who needs a fresh start. I think the original challenge I had heading into this book was thinking my gal Tessa would make Aiden too sweet. But rest assured friends, Aiden is a big, kind on the outside, spicy on the inside man of our dreams.
Also, you may absolutely die when you hear his holiday dream. *swoon*
Santa Claus is Going To Town On Me by M.L. Eliza (Free on KU)
Ah the age old question: is it really the holiday season if you haven’t read an erotic novella about banging Santa Claus? Oh, just me. Fantastic.
Marie Lipscomb, writing as M.L. Eliza hits us with a truly magical tale of (you guessed it) a lady named Holly, who has never gotten what she’s wanted (not a euphemism) for Christmas and, Claus who erroneously mistakes her house for another’s.
Pretty much from the moment Holly sets eyes on this jolly red f*ck machine, she is IN 👏 TO 👏 IT. Santa or Claus as he prefers to be called, can hear anything her mind desires and, desires she does have. If you ever wanted to know how Santa gets down and dirty, well my sweets this quick, smutty read is perfect for you.
A Virgin River Christmas by Robyn Carr
Military widow Marcie travels to Virgin River to reconnect with the person that tried to save her husbands life. This one is a little heavier than the others on this list and deals with death of a spouse, PTSD and grief, so please keep that in mind heading in.
This is a story really about second chances and about healing. Both Marcie and Ian need to work through their experiences losing her husband. Including the growing attraction the pair have for each other. It’s an emotional read and have a few of my favourite tropes in it: single bed, forced proximity, grumpy-sunshine, taking care of the sick heroine, and a grand ending right out of a Hallmark film.